Antidepressant Geodon

The generic name used for this medication is Ziprasidone. It is a popular antipsychotic drug that has the ability to cross the BBB (Blood Brain Barrier) which results in significant alterations of neurotransmitters in the brain. This is the main reason why it is not an over-the-counter drug. Geodon is prescribed by psychiatrists for treating psychotic disorders like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Children, who are at least above the age of 10 years, can be prescribed Geodon. There are several other uses that are off-label in nature. Other brand names used for Geodon are Zipwell and Zeldox. This drug was first approved in the United States of America in the year 2001 (5th of February).

Uses of Geodon

Geodon is used mainly for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, but there are other medical uses as well. They are mentioned below:

• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Mania
• Mixed stated of bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia

Side effects of Geodon

No antipsychotic medication can go without bringing about some adverse effects to the body. They can sometimes also be dangerous to the well-being of the patient. Therefore, the doctor and the patient should keep a keen watch after prescribing Geodon. Some of the side effects are as follows:

Major side effects:

• Uncontrolled movements of the back, neck, or face
• Body shows twisting movements
• Limbs become stiff
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Shuffling walk
• Restlessness
• Need to always keep moving
• Muscle jerking, stiffness, or trembling
• Losing balance
• Cannot sit still
• Fever
• Nervousness or fear
• Drooling
• Difficulty in speaking
• Cough
• Voice changes
• Trouble in swallowing food
• Swollen, or tender glands of the neck
• Tongue swelling
• Fats or slow heartbeat
• Runny nose
• Pounding heard inside the ears
• Hoarseness
• Headache
• Irregular, pounding, and fats pulse or heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Congestion
• Chest pain
• Body pain or aches
• Blurred vision
• Unable to move either of the eyes
• Seizures
• Painful and persistent erection
• Lightheadedness, faintness, or dizziness experienced when getting up or lying down
• Trouble in breathing
• Facial expressions are unusual
• Tongue sticking out

Minor side effects:

• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Sour or acid stomach
• Diarrhoea
• Belching
• Indigestion
• Rash
• Nausea
• Weight gain
• Stomach pain, upset, or discomfort
• Weight loss
• Stuffy nose
• Swelling
• Losing appetite
• Joint pain
• Dry mouth
• Changes in vision

Contraindications

Under certain medical conditions, it is advised that this medication should not be prescribed to the patient. The doctor must take care about it or else it could be hazardous. They are:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Parkinson Symptoms
• Liver disease (severe)
• High level of blood sugar
• Allergic to Ziprasidone
• Fast heartbeat
• Drop in blood pressure
• Overweight

Geodon and Pregnancy

The FDA has assigned this medication to the category B3 and C. Therefore, the risks aren’t ruled out. Ideally it shouldn’t be prescribed, unless the risks are menial compared to the benefits.

Mode of Ingestion

Geodon is administered either through intramuscular injection or as capsules.